WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — With 9/11 serving as a somber reminder to many of the day of the worst terrorist attack on U.S. soil, 16 years ago.

On that infamous day, over 3,000 lost their lives when hijacked airlines crashed into the World Trade Center in New York, the Pentagon and a field in Pennsylvania.

President Trump spoke at the Pentagon and Vice President Mike Pence addressed an observance at the Flight 93 National Memorial in Pennsylvania.

“America cannot be intimidated, and those who try will join a long list of vanquished enemies who dared test our mettle,” Trump said at the Pentagon after observing a moment of silence at the White House. “When America is united, no force on earth can break us apart,” he said.

On September 11, 2001, 19 militants associated with Islamic extremist group al-Qaeda hijacked four airplanes and carried out suicide attacks – two of the planes were flown into the twin towers, a third plane hit the Pentagon just and a fourth plane crashed in Pennsylvania field. The attacks triggered major U.S. initiatives to combat terrorism.

While American leaders paid respect for the victims, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed another historical significance of September 11: “Today is 9/11 … this day became widely spoken about after 2001, but there was another 9/11 of 1893 which we remember,” said Modi. He added that because the world forgot the 125 year old 9/11 message, the one in this century happened. He said that Swami Vivekananda’s 9/11 message was all about brotherhood and love.

Modi paid homage to Swami Vivekananda, Deendayal Upadhyaya and Vinoba Bhave. “This year, we are marking 125th anniversary of Swami Vivekananda’s Chicago address and Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya centenary celebrations,” the prime minister tweeted. He said Vivekananda strongly believed in the power of “Yuva Shakti’ (youth power) and saw a vital place for youngsters in the realm of nation-building.”Inspired by the ideals of Swami Vivekananda, we are working tirelessly towards realising the dreams and aspirations of our youth,” he said.

Modi was addressing a student convention in Chicago.